Puma

Puma

Geographical Range

Southwestern Canada, Western United States, Mexico, Central and South America

Habitat

Forests, grasslands, deserts

Scientific Name

Puma concolor

Conservation Status

Common

Range and habitat

These cats have adapted to numerous habitats, from temperate and tropical forests to grasslands and deserts. Although they are not endangered, they are disappearing from much of their range because of human activity. Conservation threats to the cougar include persecution as pests, environmental degradation, habitat fragmentation and depletion of their prey base.

One cougar subspecies, the Florida panther, is considered endangered under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species Act.

Appearance and Characteristics

These cats are graceful hunters. They feed on a variety of animals from small rodents to deer, usually stalking and ambushing their prey at dawn or dusk. Adult pumas usually lead solitary lifestyles although they seek the company of their own kind during mating season.

Female pumas weigh between 70 and 100 pounds, while males weigh between 100 and 145 pounds.

Fun Facts:

Pumas can't roar, but their vocalizations do include chirping and purring.

Pumas go by several other common names, such as mountain lions, panthers, cougars and catamounts.

Here at the Zoo

Last seen at the Saint Louis Zoo over four years ago, pumas can now be found in Big Cat Country. A pair of pumas came to us from the Hogle Zoo in Utah in 2012. Brother and sister, Echo and Kota, were born in the wild and are particularly fascinated with watching the camels and zebras across the path in Red Rocks. Be sure to stop by and visit the pair soon!